Hematite Gemstone Beads
Hematite, a principal ore of iron, is recognized by its characteristic metallic luster and an iron content that can surpass 70%. Its colors range from the deepest blacks to steely grays, often polished to a mirror-like sheen that catches and reflects light in a captivating manner.
Facts: Hematite has a historical footprint that spans cultures and ages. It was used by ancient Egyptians for amulets, and by Europeans in mourning jewelry during the Victoriana era. Its durability and dense, shimmering beauty not only made it a favorite among the ancients but have stood the test of time, maintaining its popularity in modern jewelry and decorative arts. Traces of its use even appear in early human settlements, underlining its significant role in various cultural rites and adornments.
Metaphysical / Holistic: As a stone of grounding and balance, Hematite is believed to strengthen our connection with the earth, providing stability and centeredness in our lives. It is also associated with enhancing focus and concentration, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both beauty and serenity in their creations.
Hematite Black Plated 2x6mm Hexagon - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$11.00
-
Original price
$11.00
Original price
$11.00
$11.00
-
$11.00
Hematite is an iron oxide and one of the few gemstones with a metallic luster. When tumbled it can have the look of polished steel. Hematite is bla...
View full details
Original price
$11.00
-
Original price
$11.00
Original price
$11.00
$11.00
-
$11.00
About this stone
Color
BlackSteel GraySilverMetallic
Origin
BrazilSouth AfricaChinaAustraliaRussia
Mohs hardness
5.5–6.5
Treatment categories
NaturalCoated
Industry-standard treatment
Some hematite is coated to enhance metallic luster; magnetic 'hematite' is a synthetic ferrite, not natural hematite
Mineral chemistry
Iron oxide (Fe2O3)
Crystal system
Trigonal
Stone family
Hematite
Common cuts
RoundFaceted RoundRondelle
Common sizes
2mm3mm4mm6mm8mm
Care notes
Durable (Mohs 5.5–6.5). Mild soap and soft cloth; avoid prolonged moisture (coated material can develop surface rust).
Related stones
Magnetite, Pyrite, Goldstone
Frequently asked questions
-
Is gold hematite (or rose gold, copper, rainbow hematite) real hematite?
The base stone is real hematite — natural iron-oxide hematite, polished and shaped. The gold, rose gold, copper, silver-bright, and rainbow finishes are surface coatings applied to that natural hematite base. The underlying stone is real; the metallic finish color is a coating. Treatment status should be disclosed — ask before buying if it isn't specified. -
How durable is the coating on coated hematite?
The coating is bonded to the stone surface and holds up well under ordinary jewelry wear — necklaces, earrings, pendants, and standard-wear bracelets. High-contact applications (rings, heavily-worn cuff bracelets, designs with sustained stone-to-stone abrasion) can wear through the coating at contact points over years of use. For maximum wear resistance, natural steel-gray hematite is the more durable finish; for design flexibility across the metallic-color spectrum, coated hematite is the standard catalog choice. -
What's the difference between hematite and magnetic hematite (hematine)?
True hematite is natural iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and is not strongly magnetic at room temperature — a natural hematite bead will not pick up a paper clip. "Magnetic hematite" sold in the bead market is typically hematine — a synthetic ceramic of magnetized barium ferrite manufactured to imitate hematite's appearance and density. They look similar but are different materials; the magnet test is the quick check. Material identity should be disclosed — ask before buying if it isn't specified. -
Does hematite tarnish?
Natural hematite doesn't tarnish in the way silver does, but the polished surface can develop slight dulling from prolonged skin contact, oils, and moisture. A wipe with a soft cloth restores the shine. Coated hematite can lose its finish over years of heavy wear through abrasion rather than oxidation; the underlying natural hematite remains intact beneath the coating. -
What sizes of hematite does Dakota carry?
The active catalog centers on small sizes — 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm rounds and faceted rounds dominate, reflecting hematite's primary use as a spacer and accent bead. Larger sizes (including 6mm and faceted rondelles in mixed dimensions like 2×4mm and 2×6mm) appear in select SKUs as focal accents. Full size availability is filterable in the grid above.